OAAS News – Erin Fall Fair
~ October 11th to 14th, 2024 ~
The Erin Fall Fair, one of Ontario’s most beloved fall traditions, returns from October 11th to 14th, 2024, celebrating its 174th year. Established in 1850, this year’s theme, “Country Routes and Rubber Boots,” perfectly reflects the fair’s strong agricultural heritage and its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
At the heart of the Erin Fall Fair are the Homecraft Exhibits, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods, baked creations, and more. The Livestock Shows and Horse Shows bring together some of the finest animals from local farms, offering a chance to see everything from dairy cattle to majestic horses in competition.
For thrill-seekers, the Tractor, Truck, and Horse Pulls deliver raw power and excitement, while the ever-popular Demolition Derby promises intense action. Families can also enjoy the Baby Show, Pet Show, and Kids Pedal Pull, where children can get involved in the fun. For those who enjoy friendly competition, the Farmers Olympics add a unique twist with farm-themed challenges.
Ag Awareness exhibits are an essential part of the Erin Fall Fair, offering educational opportunities that teach visitors about agriculture and farming practices. The special events planned throughout the weekend keep the energy high, while Festival Gardens with live entertainment provide a relaxing spot to enjoy great music. The weekend is filled with a variety of live entertainment, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Robertson Amusements brings the Midway, offering classic carnival rides and games that are a hit with both kids and adults. To top it all off, a spectacular Erin Fall Fair fireworks display lights up the night, adding a magical touch to the weekend.
The Erin Fall Fair is a perfect blend of agricultural showcases, community spirit, and fun, making it a must-visit event for families and fair lovers alike.
History of Agricultural Fairs
Fairs are almost as old as recorded history. There were two types of ancient fairs: trade shows and festivals. From the biblical “Fairs of Tyre” to Sturbridge Fair in medieval England, fairs were used as market places and carnivals. In the 1700’s the British crossed the agricultural improvement society with the traditional trade fair/carnival and agricultural fairs were born.
These agricultural fairs were transplanted to the colonies by the earliest British settlers. The concept of fairs soon flourished in agrarian North America. In Canada, the first agricultural society was formed in 1765 in Nova Scotia. Ontario followed suit in 1792 with the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada based at Niagara on the Lake. From the Ontario strongholds, the concept of agricultural fairs spread west with the first settlers.
After a few false starts, the system of agricultural societies and their fairs spread all over Ontario in the 1800’s. They were organized by county and township and at one time numbered over 500 in Ontario alone. While agricultural societies used many methods (of varying success) to improve agriculture and the rural lifestyle, they’re most enduring and endearing legacy was the agricultural fair. Industrial exhibitions and festivals came and went, but the fairs just carried on. Fairs soon became an ingrained part of Ontario’s (and indeed Canada’s) culture. They still are, in our society.
Ontario Fairs have changed since their inception, but they still carry on their mandate of promoting agriculture and the rural lifestyle.
Want to see modern tradition meet the modern world? Attend a fair!
Click HERE to visit the Erin Fall Fair
